R360 League Players Face 10-Year Ban from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's authority has declared that players who join the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.

The new league, scheduled to begin in 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced fixture list.

Leading NRL stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature six to eight men's sides and women's teams located in key urban centers globally.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents his NRL club in the NRL, has said he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from R360.

Several leading rugby union nations, including Australia, last week imposed a ban on athletes signing with R360 playing test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've acted decisively,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission head V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be entities that try to exploit our code for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of athletes. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The organization is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.

After the potential union bans were declared earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate together as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is arranged with tailored timetables for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.